Muguruza kicks off Australian Open campaign with easy win over Burel

Garbine Muguruza made a solid start to the first Grand Slam of the season, brushing past Clara Burel to reach the second round of the Australian Open.

The 2020 runner-up required an hour and 28 minutes to pull off the 6-3 6-4 victory, overpowering her French opponent with penetrating strokes from the baseline.

Both ladies held serve until 2-2 in the first set, where Muguruza's power proved to be too much for Burel. The Spaniard obtained the first break, only to have errors crept into her subsequent service game. This allowed Burel to break back. However, the Frenchwoman would go on to commit three double faults during her next turn on serve, allowing Muguruza to seize another break. The former World No.1 never looked back, holding on to close out the first set.

The second set saw Muguruza establish an early 3-1 lead, before eventually serving for the match at 5-3. However, some inspired play from her lower-ranked opponent allowed the Frenchwoman to break back. Nonetheless, the momentum quickly swung back to the two-time Grand Slam champion, who dominated the final game to win the match and secure her spot in the second round.